What are the Hurricane Hazards?
- STORM SURGE – A hurricane can produce destructive storm surge, which is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to inundate normally dry land in feet of water. The stronger the storm, the higher the storm surge.
- INLAND FLOODING – In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.
- HIGH WINDS – Hurricane-force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
- TORNADOES – Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm’s destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.
Graphical Hurricane Local Statement: Issued by local National Weather Service offices to provide more specific information about potential impacts of a tropical storm or hurricane on a particular area.
